CLIMATE CHANGE ESSAY CONTEST
Since our founding, we have declared partnership as a core tenet of The Leo Project. Linking together with organizations that share our values and ambitions invigorates our work. In late December, in partnership with El Karama, Policy Pathways Institute and Laikipia Wildlife Forum, we launched a Climate Change Essay Contest. In 1000 words or less, participants were asked to discuss the concept of climate change, its impacts within Laikipia county and the opportunities that exist to help mitigate. Below are the three winning essays.
“Impacts of Climate Change in Laikipia County and Opportunities that Exist for Mitigation and Adaptation”
Dusty red roads snake across the Laikipian countryside as herds of emaciated cows walk for miles in search of water. Alongside the herds are families, children of all ages, displaced and carrying their belongings wrapped in cloth. With the sun sinking slowly behind Mount Kenya, you could almost be forgiven for thinking this scene forms a romantic notion of the African wilderness, however the truth is far from idealistic.
These post card images display the evidence of aridity and desertification caused by climate change in Laikipia. The term ‘climate change’ refers to long-term alterations in both weather and temperature within an environment. This includes fluctuations in temperature, precipitation, wind, air pressure and humidity outside its usual range. Climate change is considered the most pressing threat against the globe, however not all countries suffer equally. Developing countries like Kenya, with a low adaptive ability and high vulnerability to the phenomenon are disproportionately negatively affected.
The Climatic Research Unit estimates Kenya’s average annual precipitation is typically around 680 mm, stretching to less than 250 mm in the northern areas to about 2,000 mm in western regions. Laikipia falls within the high rainfall zone, meaning it should receive more than 1,000 mm of rainfall a year. This is particularly important because this land is considered productive agricultural land, and although occupying less than 20 per cent of land area, it carries approximately 80 percent of the population.
Climate change has significantly reduced the levels of precipitation and the reliability of rainfall within Laikipia. According to the African Academy of Sciences, levels of precipitation have been seen to drop as low as 250mm a year in certain geographical locations within Laikipia in 2018. With less rain falling, the effects on human and environmental homeostasis are devastating. Lakes like Lake Solai which is used for irrigation purposes and rivers such as Ewaso Narok that are relied upon for drinking and watering animals continue to become drier and shallower. In many cases, tributaries are drying up completely. Droughts consequently lead to famine within the community, soil befalls desert and little to no vegetation grows. Livestock deaths are common but no less demoralising, and the nomadic tribes like the Maasai herders are forced to travel into conservation land whilst in fear for their lives.
Variations in temperatures within Laikipia are also affecting rainfall and crop growth. The higher temperatures seen in Dol Dol and ll Polei cause high rates of evaporation, and therefore the trivial amounts of rainfall expected are less effective at saturating the soil. Equally, the lower temperatures seen on the foothill of Mt Kenya where cool air descends onto the land can reduce the air capacity to hold moisture. This inability to hold moisture prevents air from rising and condensing to form rain and thus causes areas of land mass to receive little to no precipitation.
The primary cause of climate change is human action, and specifically the effect of burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas for industrial and domestic purposes. Burning these fuels releases gases such as methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, trapping the sun’s heat like a greenhouse and raising temperatures. It is argued that the smaller, local climate destruction taking place within the community pales into insignificance when faced with the wider problem of fossil fuels. Nevertheless, additional human activities such as those practised within Laikipia are known to be contributing to the effects of climate change in a more local and targeted way. The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa suggests poor agricultural practices such as over cultivation of the soil and keeping large numbers of livestock are adding to the speed of which soil becomes dry and infertile. According to the County Government of Laikipia, beef cattle within the county numbered over 294,000. This number of animals exceeds the carrying capacity of the land, thus causing herders to migrate to limited surrounding areas with a remaining water source. Furthermore, this mass migration applies pressure on resources and leads to water shortages for domestic use. Moreover, herds of this scale cause irreversible soil erosion and destruction of vegetation within these small fertile areas, creating an apparently unbreakable cycle of environmental destruction.
The picture for Laikipia’s climate future may appear bleak, but there is hope. Projects like the International Climate Initiative are promoting climate-smart agriculture within Laikipia. Groups are offering small grants to local farmers, and training to plant indigenous crops and breed specific livestock varieties. Research by the International Crops Research Institute has shown that sorghum and millet are more resilient to drought conditions, which similarly applies to cattle breeds like the Boran.
Likewise, technology is being used to fight climate change within Laikipia. Women and youth groups alongside the organisation ‘Stoves for life’ helped to manufacture a ceramic-lined, wood-burning “Upesi” stove that is now being utilized within Laikipia. This stove is designed with a compartment underneath that focuses heat directly upward instead of in all directions like a traditional three-stone fire. These stoves reduce firewood use by 40 per cent, ensuring an emissions reduction of 2 to 3 tons of carbon dioxide per household annually. This new design not only reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, but also reduces deforestation. Through aiding in afforestation, we are able to prevent further soil erosion and help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere through photosynthesis.
In summary, climate change is adversely affecting the human population and natural environment of Laikipia. Reduced rainfall, increased temperatures and desertification of the land are causing momentous damage. However, new projects are forthcoming, educating people in climate-smart farming and inventing new greener technologies. Perhaps this is the beginning of positive change within Laikipia. So, when you look upon the beauty of a Laikipian wilderness, do so with a wider view, one that encompasses the challenges it faces from the consequences of human action.
By: Olivia Grace, 27
When I was younger, I knew when to expect the long and short rains. Farmers in my community knew when to prepare their land and when to plant because they were assured of a good harvest. As the years went by lines became more and more blurred and have continued to do so. Temperatures are either extremely high or low, some regions in Laikipia go months or sometimes years without rain and when the rains do come it is more destructive than helpful. Climate change sounds like a foreign concept but it is not… It has hit home now more than ever right here in Laikipia.
Human activity is the major cause of climate change…
It is easy to generalise and blame climate change on global greenhouse emissions but if we look closer, as a people we are responsible for the destruction of our forests and degradation of the rangelands, encroaching on riparian land and destruction of our water towers. We have betrayed the environment for profit.
One of my best quotes and what I believe should be a guiding principle when it comes to climate change is from the Lion King…”Everything you see exists together in a delicate balance. You need to understand that balance and respect all the creatures, from the crawling ant to the leaping antelope.” Mufasa, pretty much sums up the importance of biodiversity. If you have been in Laikipia long enough and have been lucky to take a drive through Laikipia North (Doldol, Kimanju, Ilmotiok and Ewaso) you will notice the sharp contrast between protected and unprotected areas. The tree cover has continued to shrink over the years due to charcoal burning and making way for human settlement. The grass no longer grows in unprotected areas as a result of overgrazing and lack of proper rangelands management resulting in soil erosion, flooding and extremely high temperatures. If you find yourself on this road, make a comparison between Oljogi conservancy and the open space right next to it and it will become evident how much human activity has changed the landscape.
Closer home in Nanyuki town, the water problems are evident now more than ever despite having two rivers flowing through the town. Have you received that text message about water rationing? But how can this be yet we are at the foot of the biggest water tower in Kenya? We have witnessed the destruction of Mount Kenya forest due to constant wildfires that we have witnessed at least once in the last 3 years. Nanyuki town is becoming more and dustier… It could rain in the morning but by the afternoon it is dusty again because while we focused on beautifying the town we forgot that grass and trees are just as important.
So what can we do to change this narrative?
I believe the first step is to acknowledge that although most people agree on the climate change crisis, not everyone takes it seriously or thinks they can do anything big or small to change it then we can take small steps towards healing.
Education: There is a need to invest in education especially for the younger generation. If we are going to change the negative trajectory we need to create a generation that cares enough about the environment to make the necessary changes in their way of life.
Plant more trees: and not just planting them but following up to ensure they grow so as to restore the forest cover in Laikipia which will be beneficial for the human population and the wildlife that roam unprotected areas in Laikipia
Reduce single use plastic: Sometimes resisting the urge to use that plastic straw or tumbler feels insignificant because the majority of the people are doing it anyway. What difference am I going to make? I have always been a strong believer that it takes one person to make that change who will then influence another thus creating a cycle of change…that is a significant number of plastic cups, bottles or straws less for the landfills
Reduce individual carbon footprint: This is sometimes as simple as switching off the lights when not in use, turning off that tap and responsible travel.
Rangeland management: Dialogue between pastoralist communities and conservation areas in Laikipia could be the lifeline to restoring the rangelands to ensure sustainability, reduce conflicts and ensure pastoralist communities are not completely forced out of their homes to get pasture and water elsewhere.
Climate change is a wide topic that needs to be amplified at the community level as much as it is discussed on the global platform because at the end of the day it is the collective actions of the members of communities that really matter. In the words of world famous activist Greta Thunberg, climate change is not an opinion, it is a fact. The world (in this case Laikipia) needs more people who care and are willing to make a difference.
By: Mukuhi Wanjohi, 34
Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and weather patterns on Earth, it is caused by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor (Shah et.al., 2021). Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes, are releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, leading to an increase in their concentration. This increase in greenhouse gases is causing the planet to warm up absurdly, leading to climate change.
The impacts of climate change are wide-ranging and include more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events such as floods. It is also having significant impacts on ecosystems, including the loss of biodiversity, changes in the distribution and abundance of plants and animals, and the acidification of water bodies. One of the most significant impacts of climate change in Laikipia County is the alteration of rainfall patterns. Like in other Arid and Semi-arid lands (ASALs) of the world, Laikipia County is prone to frequent droughts which are having a major impact on agriculture and water availability. The average drought cycle in Laikipia County has reduced from 5 to 3 years affecting both crop and livestock production. From 1984 to 2014, 53% of the period received below normal rainfall while 40% of the period received above normal rainfall in Laikipia County (Ayeri et.al., 2012). This shows that more years recorded below normal rainfall increasing the frequency of drought.
The location at which the county is placed and altitude at which it lies attracts a relief type of rainfall. However, there has been alterations in the rainfall patterns. Rainfall averages between 400mm and 750mm annually despite higher annual rainfall records being observed in areas along slopes of Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare Ranges (M’mboroki, 2018). The impacts of climate change have led to unreliability of the seasons in which March, April, and May used to be the main long rain season in earlier years but now October, November and December have turned to have more rain during the last three decades (Nyika, 2022). These changes have affected the amounts, intensity, distribution, seasonality, and reliability of rainfall in Laikipia.
On the other hand, Laikipia County is also experiencing more frequent and severe flooding especially in the October, November and December period (Ojwang et.al., 2010). Notably, the main water resources in the county include the six main tributaries of Ewaso Nyiro. However, water pollution due to anthropogenic wastes has been on the rise in both urban and rural settlements. Informal settlements around Nanyuki and Nyahururu towns especially Likii, Manguu and Maina villages have resulted to great levels of pollution, poor disposal of waste and sanitation (Nyika, 2022).
In relation to land use, forest, shrub or bushland and grassland have changed during the last three decades of which grasslands have reduced by 5,864 hectares (40%), forest by 3,071 hectares (24%), and shrub & bushland increased by 8,912 hectares (43%). 1,984 square kilometres of the entire land in the county is arable land (M’mboroki, 2018). Non arable land covers 7,456 square kilometres. 243.3 square kilometres is covered by urban areas. Gazetted forest land stands at 580 square kilometres. Land use patterns are much influenced by the climatic conditions and the ecological zones. In addition to sand harvesting, farming in riparian areas and other quarrying activities in Matanya area in Laikipia Central, Kimugandura in Laikipia East, and Kimanju in Laikipia North have increased the instances of land degradation (Ojwang et.al., 2010).
Notably, the impacts of climate change are not limited to the natural environment. The local economy is also being affected, as the tourism industry is sensitive to changes in weather patterns. For example, prolonged droughts can reduce the availability of water for wildlife, leading to reduced numbers of animals on game reserves and national parks. This can impact the viability of these tourism destinations, which are an important source of revenue for the region (Shah et.al., 2021).
Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities to help mitigate the impacts of climate change in Laikipia County. One of these is through programs like the National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Program (NALEP) which contributes to the vision 2030 of the Government of Kenya through the Agricultural Sector Development Strategy. This is by promoting the socio-economic development of the agricultural sector (in its broadest sense including livestock, forestry and processing activities based on agricultural raw materials); while at the same time contributing towards the national priority of poverty alleviation. Another is the ASAL based and rural livelihoods support program which aims to contribute to poverty reduction at the national and household levels, consistent with the government's policies of mainstreaming the ASAL areas in the economic framework of the country.
To add on, the use of sustainable agriculture practices is another opportunity. This includes the use of drought-resistant crops for instance maize varieties series like 520, 517 and 516 are examples of short-term and drought tolerant varieties that are being promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure that farmers have a crop even during shorter and drier planting seasons (Huho & Kosonei, 2013). Other practices include mixing long cycle crops and short cycle crops, minimum and zero tillage methods, irrigation systems, and soil conservation measures.
Another important strategy is the promotion of renewable energy sources. By transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, it is possible to reduce emissions and help mitigate climate change (Gordon, 2012). For instance through SNV’s ‘Access to Solar Water Pumps in Laikipia Project' aims to accelerate access to appropriate, reliable and affordable energy sources for smallholder farmers in Laikipia County by enhancing local distribution and uptake of quality solar-powered water pumps (Shah et.al., 2021). Additionally, in order to address the increase in temperatures, it is recommendable to engage in re-afforestation programs in denuded areas probably by using indigenous species and stopping any human activity which may accelerate increase in temperatures for example cutting of live trees and charcoal burning.
The restructuring of community action groups and enhanced capacity on environmental protection and sustainable use of natural resources with support from relevant institutions such as NEMA, NDMA, AWF, CETRAD, KFS, and other stakeholders involved in environmental issues is also a priority in the county. To improve the resilience of communities in climate risk management, collaboration and coordination by these institutions is key. It is important to involve communities in the development and implementation of climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and policies. Affirmative consideration of non-populous communities in decision making, resources allocation and human resource deployment is crucial (Bos et.al., 2016).
References
Ayeri, O. S., Christian, V. R., Josef, E., & Michael, H. (2012). Local perceptions and responses to climate change and variability: The case of Laikipia District, Kenya. Sustainability, 4(12), 3302-3325.
Bos, K., & Gupta, J. (2016). Inclusive development, oil extraction and climate change: a multilevel analysis of Kenya. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology, 23(6), 482-492.
Gordon, A. N. (2012). Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction: Investing in Resilience. A report prepared for Cordaid. Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation.
Huho, J. M., & Kosonei, R. C. (2013). The opportunities and challenges for mitigating climate change through drought adaptive strategies: The case of Laikipia County, Kenya. Academic Research International, 4(3), 453.
M’mboroki, K. G. (2018). Climate change impacts and adaptive mechanisms of pastoral communities in Mukogodo forested areas of Laikipia county in Kenya (Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi).
Nyika, J. M. (2022). Climate change situation in Kenya and measures towards adaptive management in the water sector. In Research Anthology on Environmental and Societal Impacts of Climate Change (pp. 1857-1872). IGI Global.
Ojwang, G. O., Agatsiva, J., & Situma, C. (2010). Analysis of climate change and variability risks in the smallholder sector. FAO.
Shah, P., & Atisa, G. (2021). Environmental education and awareness: the present and future key to the sustainable management in Kenya. International Environmental Agreements: Politics, Law and Economics, 21(4), 611-630.
By: Kelvin Mutuku, 27